New Study Links Brisk Walking with Reduced Risk of Dementia

There have been a lot of TikTok videos over the last couple of years of people outside saying they are “going on my stupid walk for my stupid mental health,” but a new study out of the United Kingdom actually says that brisk walking can significantly reduce your risk for dementia.

The recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that people between the ages of 40 and 79 who took 9,826 steps per day were 50% less likely to develop dementia within seven years. Those who walked at a pace of more than 40 steps per minute were able to cut their risk of dementia by 57% with just 6,315 steps a day.

Kristine Johnson, CDP, a dementia specialist with Hartford HealthCare’s Center for Healthy Aging at Backus Hospital, said that she teaches a class geared toward people who are not yet diagnosed with dementia called “The Healthy Brain.” The five part class includes a segment on the importance and benefits of exercise.

“We like to say, ‘What’s good for the heart is good for the brain,’” she said. “Staying active and healthy, keeping your blood and oxygen flowing, are all good for your heart and your brain.”

Learn what some early signs and symptoms of dementia can be by clicking here.